Dozens unable to return home

Photo: Darren Robinson

DAMPING down . . . the fire at Maple Mill, Hathershaw

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FIREFIGHTERS say there's a chance people may have been inside Maple Mill as they continued to fight the inferno throughout last night.

Dozens of residents are still unable to return to their homes more than 24 hours after the fierce blaze devastated the controversial kitchens site in Cardwell Street, Hathershaw.

More than 70 firefighters remained at the scene last night as large parts of the building collapsed, leaving mountains of debris and burning embers flying around the site. Today, 50 firefighters remained. Demolition machinery to pull down parts of the building was due this morning. Local residents told fire crews that some people had been sleeping inside the five-storey mill, which was destroyed in the severe fire.

Fire service area manager Tony Hunter said: "There is a small chance that people may have been sleeping inside this building when the fire started, but the fire has been too intense for crews to search the property safely. Once the remains of the building have been made safe, we will be in the position to investigate further.

"Our number one priority at the moment is to get local residents who have been evacuated back into their homes. There is still a mass of smoke across the area which is being monitored, we are advising everyone to stay indoors with their windows and doors closed."

There were properties in Urmston Street, Cardwell Street and Groby Street that were still unable to return home last night for safety reasons. The residents affected were escorted to collect essential belongings from those properties.

Cardwell Street was closed in both directions between Groby Street and Urmston Street and Arrow Street and Dowry Street also closed.

Fire Service group manager Ben Levy said today: "While smoke levels are starting to reduce from the amounts we saw yesterday, there is still significant smoke in the area, we continue to ask people to keep their doors and windows closed.

"There is still likely to be congestion on the road, as we have huge amounts of hose reel lining the streets, pumping water to the fire. We have put officers in place to manage the traffic around the area to try and help people and local businesses get on with their day where possible.

"However, having people come to watch the demolition process wouldn't be helpful to crews ­- and so if your intention is to come to the area for this reason, we urge you to stay away.

"Firefighters have worked relentlessly through the night, with determination and persistence. There will be a changeover with the day crew shortly, giving the firefighters at the scene a well-deserved rest."

There was low water pressure in parts of Oldham as fire crews used available resources to douse the flames, including pumping water from the lake at Alexandra Park.

Motorists travelling through the smoke were advised to keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.

Health chiefs said while the risks to health were low, smoke is an irritant that can make people's eyes and throat sore.

Anyone with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be particularly susceptible to the smoke and should carry and use their medication (such as inhalers) as usual.

Air quality checks were carried out to check for asbestos, but any traces were expected to be minimal.

The fire broke out at 4.15am yesterday and saw 100 homes evacuated as around 28 fire service vehicles, including fire engines and special appliances, and up to 80 fire fighters fought the blaze.

The Honeywell Centre was turned into a rest centre for evacuated residents with several people attending.

Resident Mike Briacz (62) said: "The staff have been really nice ­- fantastic. Morrisons gave us some food and First Choice Homes said they would find us somewhere to stay if we need it."

Carol and Barry Heathcote also attended with their shih tzus, Frankie and Scooby.

They were evacuated in the early morning and Mrs Heathcote (71) said: "The fire was frightening, The top floor was just flames coming out.

"The police brought us to the centre in a Transit van and they have really looked after us with brews when we want them and something to east. They couldn't do enough."

The couple planned to stay with relatives in Chadderton last night and she added: "I don't think the house has been damaged and the car is still on the drive, and has been covered with tarpaulin.

"With a bit of luck we will get sorted before Christmas."

Children whose homes were affected by the fire turned up at Hathershaw College in their pyjamas yesterday morning.